Putting Green

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are various embodiments of artificial golf putting greens. In one embodiment, a base assembly comprising a flexible solid base material, the base assembly having a substantially planar top surface, a substantially planar bottom surface, and an outer perimeter that tapers from the top surface to an outer edge of the bottom surface; a putting surface that covers the substantially planar top surface of the base assembly; and a fringe that covers the tapered outer perimeter of the base assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisionalapplication entitled “IMPROVED PUTTING GREEN” having Ser. No.61/021,544, filed Jan. 16, 2008, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Most people that play golf would like to own their own golf puttinggreen that they would use for practice, entertainment, or displaypurposes. Simulating the look, feel, and/or performance of a naturalgrass putting green enhances the desirability of the putting green.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of an artificial golf putting greenaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the artificial golf putting green ofFIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the base assembly of FIG.2 formed out of beaded material according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates the use of an underlayment to add contours to theartificial golf putting green of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary base panel of the baseassembly of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary perimeter base panel of thebase assembly of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of the base assembly of the artificialgolf putting green of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cup in the artificial golf puttinggreen of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of artificial golf puttinggreens. More particularly, one embodiment of the artificial golf puttinggreen includes an interlocking, flexible substructure made from solidporous panels and a surface of artificial grass and fringe that alltogether closely mimic the look, feel, and performance of a naturalgrass putting green. Reference will now be made in detail to thedescription of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings, whereinlike reference numbers indicate like parts throughout the several views.

Artificial golf putting greens can include a putting surface supportedby a base assembly. FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of an artificialgolf putting green 100 according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The embodiment of FIG. 1 includes a putting surface 110surrounded by a fringe 120, both of which are supported by a baseassembly 150 (not shown). In one embodiment, the base assembly includesa tapered perimeter under the fringe 120 to provide a gradual transitionbetween the putting surface 110 and the surrounding area. The puttingsurface 110 includes one or more cups 130. In some embodiments, a logo140 may be included on the putting surface 110. Cups 130 are preferablyregulation practice green cups. Cups 130 may be outfitted with removablecup markers including a rod, flag and ball lifter. Any number of cups130 can be included in any number of locations.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the artificial golf putting green100 of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 2, the base assembly 150 supports the putting surface 110and the fringe 120. In one embodiment, the base assembly is hidden fromview underneath the artificial grass and/or synthetic turf fringe 120and artificial grass and/or synthetic turf putting surface 110 enablingthe disclosed putting green 100 to resemble a natural putting green.Because of the nature of the tapered edge and the positioning of theartificial grass surfaces, the base assembly 150 is not viewable oncethe putting green 100 is constructed.

Around the perimeter of the base assembly 150 exists a taper extendingfrom a substantially planar top surface 220 of the base assembly 150towards a substantially planar bottom surface 230 of the base assembly150. The taper allows a user to walk onto the putting green 100 withouthaving to step over a lip or bumper, thus eliminating a trip hazard. Thetapered edge also aids in the appearance of the putting green 100. Theputting green 100 will appear to rise out of the floor (or other supportsurface or substrate) creating a more realistic appearance. In someembodiments, the taper extends to the bottom surface 230 of the baseassembly. In other embodiments, such as in FIG. 2, the taper extends toan outer edge 240 of the bottom surface 230 of the base assembly. Theouter edge 240 may be squared off (as illustrated in FIG. 2), roundedoff, or angled off at a greater angle than the taper to provideadditional strength to the outer edge 240. In some embodiments, theheight of the outer edge 240 is in the range of about 0.125 inch toabout 0.5 inch. In other embodiments, the height of the outer edge 240can go up to two inches (e.g., when squared off).

The width of the taper 250 may extend from the top surface 220 to thebottom surface 230 and/or outer edge 240 in a range of about 4 to about18 inches. In other embodiments, the width of the taper 250 may extendin a range of about 4 to about 12 inches. In one embodiment, the widthof the taper 250 may extend in a range of about 4 to about 10 inches. Inanother embodiment, the width of the taper 250 may extend in a range ofabout 7 to about 10 inches. In some embodiments, the taper width 250 maybe constant around the whole perimeter of the base assembly 150. Inother embodiments, the taper width 250 may vary around the perimeter ofthe base assembly 150. For example, in one embodiment, the taper width250 may vary based upon the curvature of the perimeter (e.g., curvatureshaving a smaller radius will have a smaller taper width).

The fringe 120 produces a barrier around the putting surface 110 thatwill keep a ball from rolling off the putting surface 110 whenpropelled. The use of an artificial grass and/or synthetic turf fringe120 and an artificial grass and/or synthetic turf putting surface 110also improves the appearance of the disclosed putting green 100,enabling it to resemble a natural putting green. A height differential210 between the surface of the fringe 120 and the surface of the puttingsurface 110 may be in the range of about 0.5 to about 3 inches will keepputted golf balls on the surface of the putting green. In otherembodiments, the height differential 210 may be in the range of about0.75 to about 2 inches. In one embodiment, a height differential 210 inthe range of about 1 to about 1.5 inches is used.

In one embodiment, the base assembly 150 can include multiple flexible,porous solid panels, which are connected together to provide the basefor the playing surface. In other embodiments, the base assembly may bea single panel. At least one panel will have an opening in the topsurface 220 suitable to receive a cup 130, which is adapted to receivegolf balls. Resilient solid base materials that allow for a lightweight,flexible, breathable, and drainable (e.g., porous) base assembly 150 maybe utilized to form the base panels. In some embodiments, the basepanels are formed out of beaded materials, which can enhance flexibilityand drainage. Base materials can include, but are not limited to,polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and combinations thereof. Inaddition, interpolymers such as, but not limited to, ARCEL® andPiocelan® may be utilized as base materials.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the base assembly 150 ofFIG. 2 formed out of beaded material. The porosity of the base assembly150 allows for water drainage and breathability so the putting green 100can be used indoors and/or outdoors over different types of substrates.The ability to allow liquids 310 to pass through the base assembly 150allows it to be used outdoors in wet climates or locations where wateris used. In addition, the beaded construction also allows the puttinggreen 100 to breath. For example, a putting green 100 may be used oncool hard floors or on warm decks or patios. The heat and cold (e.g.,hot and cold gases and/or vapors) are able to pass through 320 the baseassembly 150 without affecting the playability of the putting green 100.The flexibility also allows the golf putting green 100 to mimic thesubstrate that the putting green 100 rests on.

In addition, using flexible base materials allows for a more realisticfeel underfoot and provides the ability to add more realistic contoursto the putting surface 110 to resemble natural grass putting greens. Forexample, an underlayment may be utilized to add realistic contours tothe putting surface 110. FIG. 4 illustrates the use of an underlayment410 to add contours to the putting green 100 of FIG. 1 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 4, the underlayment 410 may be contour pads 420 that are layered ina “topographical map” type of design. The use of this type of layeredpad arrangement allows the base assembly 150 to smoothly conform to theunderlayment 410 and eliminates the hollow areas that are formed underthe putting surface 110 when contour pads 420 are placed between thebase assembly 150 and the putting surface 110. One or more contour pads420 may be shaped and/or stacked to the desired height to produce thedesired contour shape. In addition, the position, number, and/orordering of the contour pads 420 can be varied to create differentcontoured areas for the same putting green 100. Contour pads 420 may bemade from pieces of woven polypropylene, geotextile materials, or otherappropriate material. In other embodiments, the underlayment 410 may bea single contour pad with a varying thickness, which is placed under thebase assembly 150 to produce a desired contour. The contour of FIG. 4 ismerely illustrative of the contours or undulations that can be formed inthe putting surface 110. These contours can be formed such that theplayer can practice left to right breaks, right to left breaks, uphillputts, downhill putts, or any combinations.

The use of resilient solid base materials also allows for thecustomization of the base assembly 150 of the putting green 100. Anunlimited amount of shapes and sizes may be utilized to provide uniqueor standardized artificial golf putting greens. Also, the flexibility inthe types of shapes incorporated into the design allows for afree-flowing realistic design that can be molded to meet thesurroundings, and not the forced unattractive shapes that molded greensincorporate into their designs.

Embodiments of the base assembly 150 may include multiple flexible,porous solid panels, which are connected together in a grid to form thedesired shape of the putting green 100. FIG. 5 is an illustration of anexemplary base panel 500 of the base assembly 150 of FIG. 2 according toone embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary base panel 500of FIG. 5 is a square panel with a substantially planar top surface 520and a substantially planar bottom surface 530. While the panel size mayvary between embodiments, the panels may have a length and width in therange of about one to about four feet and a thickness in the range ofabout one to about four inches. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5,the panels 500 have a length and width of about two feet and a thicknessof about two inches. The dimensions of base panels may vary based uponapplication and manufacturing requirements and/or restrictions. Othergeometric shapes such as, but not limited to, hexagons and octagons maybe utilized for other embodiments of the base panel.

Upper engagement tabs 540 and lower engagement tabs 550 alternate aroundthe perimeter of the base panel 500 to provide a fastening mechanism forconnecting base panels 500 together to form the base assembly 150. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 5, the engagement tabs 540 and 550 arerectangular and arranged with three tabs on each side of the base panel500. Different numbers and arrangements of tabs may be utilized in otherembodiments. In other embodiments, the narrow ends of the engagementtabs may be angled or rounded from the inside edge of the tab, which isattached to the core of the panel, to the outer edge of the tab (or theperimeter of the base panel) to aid in assembly. Other fasteningmechanisms for connecting base panels together may be utilized. Forexample, the embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrates two base panels connectedtogether using a V-shaped tongue and groove arrangement.

In some embodiments, the base panels 500 may be held together based upona friction fit between the engagement tabs 540 and 550. Alternatively,dimples, raised bumps, recesses, and/or ridges may be included on thecontacting faces of the engagement tabs 540 and 550 to hold the basepanels together. In other embodiments, a securing device such as, butnot limited to, dowels, screws, nails, or pins may be utilized to secureadjacent base panels 500 together. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG.5, alignment holes are provided in the engagement tabs 540 and 550 toallow dowels or T-pins to be inserted. This can allow the base panels500 to be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools.

The solid nature of the panels allows the panels to be machined ormolded for an unlimited combination of shapes and sizes. The base panelsused around the outside perimeter of the green are tapered from the topsurface to the bottom surface that will create a ramp up to the puttingsurface allowing the user of the putting green to enter and exit theputting green without having to step up over a lip or bumper extendingabove the putting surface. FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplaryperimeter base panel 600 of the base assembly 150 of FIG. 2 according toone embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, abase panel 500 has been machined to provide a semi-circular perimeterbase panel 600. In other embodiments, the taper 610 may be machined ormolded into the perimeter base panel 600 to provide a transition betweenthe putting surface and the surrounding surface. While width of thetaper 610 may vary as previously described, the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6 has a taper width of about 8 inches. Perimeter base panels may beconnected in the same fashion as described for base panels 500.

As noted, an unlimited combination of shapes and sizes of perimeterpanels may be utilized. For example, a grid of base panels 500 may belaid out and a desired shape of a putting green 100 may be superimposedon the grid of panels. FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of the baseassembly 150 of the artificial golf putting green 100 of FIG. 1according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen inFIG. 7, the desired shape of the putting green 100 determines the shapeand location of the perimeter base panels. The perimeter panels may thenbe machined to provide the shape and taper (e.g., perimeter panel 600with taper 610) needed to produce the desired putting green shape. Whenassembled, the perimeter base panels provide a tapered area around theouter edge of the base assembly 150. The center section of the baseassembly is made up of unmodified base panels 500. As can be understoodfrom the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the shape and size of theperimeter panels will vary based upon the desired putting green shapeand the layout on the grid of panels.

At least one base panel 590 and/or perimeter panel 690 will have anopening 710 suitable for receiving a cup 130 (FIG. 1) adapted to receivegolf balls. A base panel 500 may be molded or machined with the opening710 at a desired location in the top surface 520 (FIG. 5) suitable forreceiving the cup 130. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cup 130 inthe artificial golf putting green 100 of FIG. 1 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, theopening 710 extends from the top surface 520 to the bottom surface 530of the base panel 500.

Cup 130 is preferably a regulation practice green cups that measure10.16 cm high and 10.8 cm wide. However, in alternative embodiments, theheight and width of the cups 130 may be varied. The cup 130 is held inplace by the walls of the opening. The size of opening 710 is adapted tothe size of cup 130. In some embodiments, the sides of the opening 710may be tapered to provide a secure fit for the inserted cup 130. In someembodiments, the putting surface 110 folds into the opening and is heldin place by the cup 130. Also shown on FIG. 7 is a cup marker 810. Thecup marker 810 may be placed in the cup 130 to lift balls putted intocup 130. Cup marker 810 can include a base, rod, and flag. In oneembodiment, the cup marker 810 consists of a cast iron base, fiberglassrod, and plastic flag.

The assembled base assembly 150 provides support for the putting surface110 and fringe 120 as described for FIG. 1. In one embodiment, theputting surface 110 and fringe 120 are artificial grass and/or syntheticturf, which provides a more natural and realistic look to the puttinggreen 100. In general, the putting surface 110 and fringe 120 are formedinto a single unit which, when in position, covers the base assembly150. Because of the nature of the tapered edge along the perimeter ofthe base assembly 150, the base material is not viewable once theputting green 100 is constructed.

Logos 140 (FIG. 1) and/or designs may also be included on the puttingsurface 110 and/or the fringe 120. Colored yarns and/or synthetic turfcan by used to create a design or pattern, which can allow the puttinggreen to be used for, e.g., marketing and promotional purposes or todemonstrate support for a sports team or other cause. For example, alogo 140 or design can be created in the putting surface by inlayingsynthetic/artificial turf, which has been extruded in the colors of thelogo or design. The colored synthetic/artificial turf is cut (e.g., by alaser) and glued together to form the logo 140 or design. The puttingsurface 110 is cut to receive the logo 140 or design in the desiredlocation. The logo 140 or design replaces the material cut away from theputting surface 110 to form a contiguous surface. The logo 140 or designis attached to the remaining putting surface 110 so that a ball rollssmoothly across the logo 140 or design when propelled across the puttingsurface 110.

Alternatively, synthetic/artificial turf of the putting surface 110 maybe dyed or painted to provide the color of the logo 140 or design on theputting surface 110. For example, ink jet printing may be utilized todye the logo 140 or design directly onto the putting surface 110. Dyingor painting the putting surface 110 allows the logo 140 and/or design tobe added without cutting and gluing of the putting surface 110.

In other embodiments, logos and designs may be added to the fringe 120using the same methods described above. In addition, different and/orcontrasting colors and patterns may be used for the putting surface 110and fringe 120 to aid in drawing attention to the putting green 100.

In some embodiments, a golf putter display rack may also be included inthe artificial golf putting green 100. The display rack may include aframe of wood, metal, plastic, or other suitable material that issecured to the putting green 100. In one embodiment, openings areprovided in the base assembly to receive and support the display rack.The display rack may be suitable for supporting one or more clubs. Forexample, the display rack may include one or more cradles into which theclub handle rests when on display.

An artificial golf putting green 100 can be assembled by fitting thebase panels 500 together in a specified grid pattern to form the baseassembly 150. In one embodiment, the base panels 500 are numbered toindicate appropriate placement within the grid pattern. In someembodiments, the base panels are further secured in position usingdowels, screws, nails, or pins. Next, the putting surface 110 and fringe120 is placed over the base assembly 150, making sure that openings inthe putting surface 110 align with the base assembly openings forreceiving cups 130. The cups 130 are then inserted through the puttingsurface openings and into the base assembly openings. Contours may beproduced by adding an underlayment 410 (FIG. 4) under the base assembly150.

During use of the assembled putting green 100, a player may stand andmove about on the putting surface 110, hitting golf balls toward cups130. When the player misses the cup 130, the golf ball is prevented fromfalling off by the height differential 210 (FIG. 2) between the puttingsurface 110 and the fringe 120. Cup markers 810 may be left in cups 130when the player wishes to use a cup marker to lift balls out of cup.Contours allow a user to simulate breaking putts encountered on realnatural putting greens.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations setforth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure.Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-describedembodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit andprinciples of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andprotected by the following claims.

1. A golf putting green comprising: a base assembly comprising aflexible solid base material, the base assembly having a substantiallyplanar top surface, a substantially planar bottom surface, and an outerperimeter that tapers from the top surface to an outer edge of thebottom surface; a putting surface that covers the substantially planartop surface of the base assembly; and a fringe that covers the taperedouter perimeter of the base assembly.
 2. The golf putting green of claim1, wherein the base assembly is hidden from view when covered by theputting surface and the fringe.
 3. The golf putting green of claim 1,wherein the base assembly comprises a plurality of base panelsmechanically fastened together, the base panels comprising the flexiblesolid base material, where the base panels around the outer perimeter ofthe base assembly are tapered from the top surface to the outer edge ofthe bottom surface.
 4. The golf putting green of claim 3, wherein thebase panels are mechanically fastened together by engagement tabs. 5.The golf putting green of claim 3, wherein at least one of the pluralityof base panels includes an opening configured to receive a cup and theputting surface includes a corresponding opening.
 6. The golf puttinggreen according to claim 3, wherein a securing device is insertedthrough adjacent base panels to keep them from separating.
 7. The golfputting green of claim 3, wherein the base panels around the outerperimeter of the golf putting green are machined into different shapesand sizes.
 8. The golf putting green of claim 1, wherein the puttingsurface and the fringe comprise synthetic turf.
 9. The golf puttinggreen according to claim 1 wherein the taper of the outer perimeter ofthe base assembly has a width in a range of about 4 to about 10 inches.10. The golf putting green of claim 1, wherein a height differentialbetween the putting surface and the fringe keeps balls on the puttingsurface.
 11. The golf putting green of claim 1, wherein the puttingsurface includes artificial grass of a plurality of colors, theartificial grass inlaid into the putting surface to create a logo ordesign.
 12. The golf putting green of claim 1, further comprising acontour pad placed under the base assembly to provide a contour in theputting surface.
 13. The golf putting green of claim 12, furthercomprising a plurality of contour pads stacked under the base assemblyto provide a contour in the putting surface.
 14. The golf putting greenof claim 12, wherein the contour pad can be moved to change the contourin the putting surface.
 15. The golf putting green of claim 1, whereinthe flexible solid base material comprises a beaded material selectedfrom the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene,interpolymers, and combinations thereof.
 16. The golf putting green ofclaim 1, wherein the golf putting green can be assembled anddisassembled without the use of tools.
 17. The golf putting green ofclaim 1, wherein the golf putting green is portable.
 18. The golfputting green of claim 1, further comprising a golf putter display rack.19. The golf putting green of claim 1, wherein the golf putting greencomprises a material that enables the golf putting green to be usedindoors or outdoors.
 20. The golf putting green of claim 1, wherein theflexible solid base material is porous.